Lobotka risk could prove costly for Napoli after fresh injury scare | OneFootball

Stanislav Lobotka was risked in the starting XI despite an ankle injury, but the Napoli midfielder lasted only 13 minutes before hobbling off against Genoa with a worrying message for Antonio Conte.

The coach had said in his press conference that he was desperate to keep Lobotka in his side, so was ready to take the risk after he limped off in the win over Lecce last week with a sprained ankle.

“He is an important player in our system, he also has experience and maturity, so I certainly would prefer not to be without him,” said Conte.

Lobotka was not fully fit for Napoli

NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 09: Stanislav Lobotka of Napoli during the Serie A match between Napoli and Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 09, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

The Slovakia international was named in the starting XI against Genoa this evening, but he lasted only 13 minutes before collapsing to the ground and gesturing to the bench that he needed to come off.

Lobotka was helped to his feet as he hobbled towards the touchline, making way for Scotland international Billy Gilmour.

The DAZN pitchside reporter noted that when Lobotka was limping away, Conte asked if he had sustained a knock to cause this new setback.

The more worrying response from the player was that there was no impact or fresh connection, but rather he felt the ankle “creaking” under him.

Lobotka in doubt for rest of the season

epa12000085 Napoli’s head coach Antonio Conte reacts during the Italian Serie A soccer match SSC Napoli vs AC Milan at Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples, Italy, 30 March 2025. EPA-EFE/CIRO FUSCO

This could suggest a worse injury than previously thought and the lack of stability on the ankle makes risking him against Genoa a more surprising gesture.

Conte has faced criticism from fans and the media this season for not calling on the rest of his squad, preferring to use Lobotka when injured or full-back Matias Olivera as a makeshift central defender rather than Rafa Marin.